My Impact › Building & Remodeling

Choose an architect who has experience designing green buildings. - Most energy efficient homes use 75% less energy than the average home.

Location. - Select a home site that is close to your work and other daily destinations.

Think about building to certification standards. - LEED, Energy Star Homes or the Florida Green Building Coalition standard. Investigate solar thermal, photovoltaic and small scale wind.

Select energy star qualified appliances.

Select a front-loader washer.

Install a high efficiency toilet.

Install a point-of-use hot water heater that installs under the kitchen sink can save water when doing kitchen chores.

Plant trees around your home. - In North America, planting trees on the northern side of your home can reduce heating costs and shade trees can reduce summer cooling costs.